Speed square with extension

ABSTRACT

A speed square is provided including a triangular flat plate having measurement markings indicated on at least one face, a T bar affixed to, and extending along, the length of a first side of the triangular flat plate, and an extension element hingedly connected to an end of second side of the triangular flat plate opposite the T bar. The extension element having measurement markings indicated on at least one face, such that the measurement markings of the triangular flat face continue on the extension element.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/345,868, filed on Apr. 29, 2019, which is a national phase ofinternational application number PCT/US2017/058060 filed on Oct. 24,2017, which claims priority to U.S. application No. 62/496,889, filed onOct. 31, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Example embodiments generally relate to hand tools and, in particular,relate to a speed square with an extension.

BACKGROUND

Typical speed squares are used throughout construction industries. Speedsquares usually include a metal plate in the shape of a right trianglewith a T bar on one side of the plate. The plate is embossed orotherwise marked with one or more measurement markings, such as length,angles, and the like, such that a craftsman may set the square T bar ata position on a working material and use the measurement markings toquickly measure and mark angles, lines, or the like, The measurementsand angle markings may be used for cutting the material in the desiredshape and size.

Speed squares are manufactured in a variety of materials and sizes toaccommodate the breadth of environments and uses in which speed squaresare utilized. However, craftsman may have to switch between multiplespeed squares, such as when working on different sized workingmaterials, which may slow production or be tedious for the craftsman.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

According to some example embodiments, a speed square is providedincluding a triangular flat plate having measurement markings indicatedon at least one face, a T bar affixed to and extending along the lengthof a first side of the triangular flat plate, and an extension elementhingedly connected to an end of a second side of the triangular flatplate opposite the T bar. The extension element including measurementmarkings indicated on at least one face, such that the measurementmarkings of the triangular flat face continue on the extension element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the tool in general terms, reference will now bemade to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a speed square with an extension element extendedaccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a speed square with an extension element retractedaccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a speed square with anextension element retracted according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a speed square with theextension element in the open position according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a retention element according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates an extension lock according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allexample embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described andpictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to thescope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather,these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure willsatisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer tolike elements throughout. As used herein, operable coupling should beunderstood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in eithercase, enables functional interconnection of components that are operablycoupled to each other.

A speed square is provided with a retractable extension element. Theextension element may continue the measurement markings of the flatplate, such that, when extended, the extension element provides acontinuous straight edge extending from the flat plate with an extensionof the measurement markings. The speed square extension may beparticularly useful in instances in which a craftsman is transitioningbetween smaller material and longer or thicker working material. Theextension element may be retracted when working with the smaller workingmaterial and extended when working with the larger working material,such that measurements and markings may be made without switching speedsquares, for example from a 7 inch speed square to a 12 inch speedsquare. Additionally, the extension element may be retracted for storageor when accessing a job site through a small access point.

Example Speed Square

An example embodiment of the speed square will now be described inreference to FIG. 1 . FIG. 1 illustrates a speed square 100 with anextension element 110 extended according to an example embodiment. Thespeed square 100 may include a generally flat plate 102. The flat plate102 may be formed in the shape of a right triangle. In some exampleembodiments, the flat plate 102 may be formed from aluminum, steel,plastic, or the like. In an example embodiment, the flat plate 102 mayinclude measurement markings 104, such as length relative to a corner ofthe flat plate 102, angle marks relative to a corner of the flat plate102, or the like. The measurement markings 104 may be printed, embossed,inscribed, or otherwise indicated on the flat plate 102.

The speed square 100 may also include a T bar 106. The T bar 106 may beaffixed to and extend along the length of a first side of the flat plate102. The T bar may extend past both faces of the flat plate 102, suchthat a portion of the T bar may extend over the edge of a workingmaterial when a face of the flat plate 102 is placed on the workingmaterial. The T bar 106 may be placed flush to straight surfaces of aworking material for marking and measuring of the working material usingthe measurement markings 104 of the flat face 102.

The extension element 110 may be hingedly connected to an end of thesecond side 108 of the flat plate 102 opposite the T bar 106. In someexample embodiments, the speed square 100 may include a hinge 112connected on a first side to the flat plate 102 and on a second side tothe extension element 110. Alternatively, the flat plate 102 andextension element 110 may include hinge elements, such as opposing Ccouplings and shafts, aperture and tabs or snap fittings, apertures witha hinge pin, or the like. In an example embodiment, the a rotationalaxis 113 of the hinge 112 may be parallel with a direction of extension115 of the T bar 106.

The measurement markings 104 may include a first set of measurementmarkings 104 a on the second side 108 of the flat plate 102, such as alength or 0-6 inches. In an example embodiment, the measurement markings104 may include a second set or measurement markings 104 b on theextension element 110, such as a length of 6-12 inches, which continuefrom the first set of measurement markings 104 a. In some exampleembodiments, the measurement markings 104 may include a third set ofmeasurement markings, such as angle marks on the hypotenuse side of theflat plate 102.

The extension element 110 may be configured to extend and retractbetween a stowed position and an open position. In the stowed position,the extension element 110 may lie on the flat plate 102. In the openposition the extension element 110 may extend out from the second side108 of the flat plate 106 and in the same plane as the flat plate 102.In the open position, the second side 108 of the flat plate 102 may forma continuous straight edge. Additionally, the measurement markings 104may be continuous across the second side 108 of the flat plate 102 andthe extension element 110.

The speed square 100 may include a retention element 114 configured toretain the extension element 110 in a stowed position. The retentionelement 114 is discussed in further detail below in reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 2 illustrates the speed square 100 with the extension element 110retracted according to an example embodiment. In the stowed position,depicted in FIG. 2 , the extension element 110 may lie on the flat plate102. The measuring edges of the extension element 110 and the secondside 108 of the flat plate 102 may be flush when the extension element110 is in the stowed position. The extension element 110 may include afourth set of measurement markings 104 d. The fourth set of measurementmarkings 104 d may be configured such that they reproduce themeasurement markings 104 a on the flat plate 102 which are obscured whenthe extension element 110 is in the stowed position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the speed square 100 with theextension element 110 retracted according to an example embodiment. FIG.4 illustrates a perspective view of a speed square with the extensionelement in the open position according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates the retention element 114 according to an exampleembodiment. The extension element 110 depicted in FIG. 4 is in anintermediate position, e.g. partially open, near the stowed position.The retention element 114 may include an aperture 116 or depression inthe T bar 106 or the extension element 110. The retention element 114may also include a plunger 118 in the other of the T bar or extensionelement 110. The plunger 118 may be configured to be biased toward theaperture 116 or depression to maintain the extension element 110 in astowed position, such as by a spring or other biasing element. A portionof the plunger 118 may extend into the aperture 116 when the extensionelement 110 is in the stowed position limiting or preventing theextension element 110 from extending. In some example embodiments, thespeed square 100 may include a release, such as the lock release,discussed below in reference to FIG. 5 . The release may be configuredto actuate the plunger 118 to withdraw from the aperture 116 ordepression. Alternatively, the release may be configured to eject theplunger 118 from the aperture 116, such as by pushing portion of theplunger 118 out of the aperture 116.

FIG. 6 illustrates an extension lock according to an example embodiment.The extension lock may be configured to retain the extension element 110in the open position. The extension lock may include an aperture 120 ordepression in the flat plate 102, the extension element 110, or thehinge 120. The extension lock may also include a plunger 122 in anotherof the flat plat 102, extension element 110, or hinge 112. The plunger122 may be configured to be biased toward the aperture 120 or depressionto maintain the extension element 110 in an open position, such as by aspring or other biasing element. A portion of the plunger 122 may extendinto the aperture 120 or depression when the extension element 110 is inthe open position limiting or preventing the extension element 110 fromretracting. In some example embodiments, the speed square 100 mayinclude a release 124. The release 124 may be configured to actuate theplunger 122 to withdraw from the aperture 120 or depression.Alternatively, the release 124 may be configured to eject the plunger122 from the aperture 120 or depression, such as by pushing portion ofthe plunger 118 out of the aperture 116 or depression. In an exampleembodiment, the release 124 may be a thumb slide or button.

In some embodiments, the speed square may be further configured foroptional modifications. In this regard, for example, the speed squaremay also include a retention element configured to retain the extensionelement in a stowed position. In an example embodiment, the retentionelement includes an aperture in the extension element or the T bar and aplunger on the other of the extension element and the T bar. The plungeris biased toward the aperture in the stowed position. In some exampleembodiments, the speed square also includes a hinge configured to extendand retract the extension element between an open position and a stowedposition. In an example embodiment, a rotational axis of the hinge isparallel with a direction of extension of the T bar. In an exampleembodiment, the speed square also includes an extension lock configuredto retain the extension element in an open position. In some exampleembodiments, the extension lock includes an aperture in the extensionelement or triangular flat plate and a plunger in the other of theextension element and the triangular flat plate. The plunger is biasedtoward the aperture in the open position. In an example embodiment, theextension lock comprises a lock release configured to release theextension lock to enable retraction of the extension element to a stowedposition.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the tool set forth hereinwill come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventionspertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoingdescriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that the power tools are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certainexemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should beappreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions maybe provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scopeof the appended claims. In this regard, for example, differentcombinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitlydescribed above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of theappended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions toproblems are described herein, it should be appreciated that suchadvantages, benefits and/or solutions may be applicable to some exampleembodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, anyadvantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thoughtof as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or tothat which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employedherein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and notfor purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. A speed square comprising: a triangular flatplate having measurement markings indicated on at least one face; a Tbar affixed to, and extending along, a length of a first side of thetriangular flat plate; an extension element operably coupled to an endof a second side of the triangular flat plate opposite the T bar, theextension element having measurement markings indicated on at least oneface, such that the measurement markings of the triangular flat facecontinue on the extension element; and a hinge configured to extend andretract the extension element between an open position and a stowedposition, wherein a rotational axis of the hinge is parallel with adirection of extension of the T bar.
 2. The speed square of claim 1further comprising: a retention element configured to retain theextension element in the stowed position.
 3. The speed square of claim2, wherein the retention element comprises a plunger configured toextend toward an aperture to retain the extension element in the stowedposition responsive to alignment of the plunger and the aperture,wherein the plunger is biased toward the aperture in the stowedposition.
 4. The speed square of claim 3, wherein the plunger isdisposed in the extension element and the aperture is disposed in the Tbar.
 5. The speed square of claim 4, wherein the plunger is configuredto urge a protruding element into the aperture, and wherein the plungeris oriented to urge the protruding element in a direction substantiallyparallel to a direction of longitudinal extension of the extensionelement.
 6. The speed square of claim 3, wherein multiple instances ofthe retention element are provided on complementary surfaces of the Tbar and the extension element.
 7. The speed square of claim 3, whereinan access window is disposed in the triangular flat plate proximate anintersection of the T bar and the second side, and wherein the extensionelement is visible through the access window in the stowed position andnot visible through the access window in an open position.
 8. The speedsquare of claim 7, wherein the extension element is configured totransition out of the stowed position responsive to force exerted on theextension element through the access window to overcome biasing of theplunger and release the retention element.
 9. The speed square of claim1 further comprising: an extension lock configured to retain theextension element in the open position.
 10. The speed square of claim 9,wherein the extension lock comprises an aperture in the extensionelement or triangular flat plate and a plunger in the other of theextension element and the triangular flat plate, wherein the plunger isbiased toward the aperture in the extended position.
 11. The speedsquare of claim 9, wherein the extension lock comprises a lock releaseconfigured to release the extension lock to enable retraction of theextension element to the stowed position.
 12. The speed square of claim1, wherein the T bar extends substantially perpendicular to a plane inwhich the triangular flat plate lies away from both opposing faces ofthe triangular flat plate.
 13. The speed square of claim 1, wherein thehinge connects the extension element to the triangular flat plateproximate to an intersection of the second side and a third side forminga hypotenuse of the triangular flat plate.
 14. The speed square of claim13, wherein the third side further comprises a set of angle measurementmarkings to enable measurement of an angle relative to the T bar.
 15. Aspeed square comprising: a triangular flat plate having a first side, asecond side, and a hypotenuse, the second side having first lengthmeasurement markings indicated thereon, and the hypotenuse having anglemarkings thereon; an extension element operably coupled to an end of thesecond side, the extension element having second length measurementmarkings indicated thereon, such that the second length measurementmarkings continue from the first length measurement markings; and ahinge configured to extend and retract the extension element between anopen position and a stowed position, wherein a rotational axis of thehinge is parallel with a direction of extension of the first side. 16.The speed square of claim 15 further comprising: a retention elementconfigured to retain the extension element in the stowed position. 17.The speed square of claim 16, wherein the retention element comprises aplunger configured to extend toward an aperture to retain the extensionelement in the stowed position responsive to alignment of the plungerand the aperture, wherein the plunger is biased toward the aperture inthe stowed position.
 18. The speed square of claim 17, wherein theplunger is disposed in the extension element and the aperture isdisposed in the first side.
 19. The speed square of claim 18, whereinthe plunger is configured to urge a protruding element into theaperture, and wherein the plunger is oriented to urge the protrudingelement in a direction substantially parallel to a direction oflongitudinal extension of the extension element.
 20. The speed square ofclaim 17, wherein multiple instances of the retention element areprovided on complementary surfaces of the first side and the extensionelement.